"I cannot find a single reference to it in any etiquette book. It seems a bit pretentious to me, and I have always wondered if, in fact, it is really correct to use the term. GENTLE READER: Pretentious? Miss Manners would think the opposite, as it tells you that the sender made an extra effort. And also perhaps that the sender does not trust the postal service."
"Listening to the same story more than once is the price of friendship. For that matter, it is also the price of romance and the price of compassion, in cases of dementia. If you have never faked enjoying a familiar anecdote or joke, Miss Manners worries that you are unwilling to make the smallest sacrifice for those you supposedly cherish."
Graciously declining an invitation requires simply thanking the host and stating regret at being unable to attend, without explaining social dislikes. The notation "By Hand" on an invitation indicates the sender personally delivered it and signals extra effort or possible distrust of the postal service; it is not pretentious. Repeated anecdotes among friends should be accepted as part of friendship, romance, or compassion, including cases of dementia. Faking enjoyment of familiar stories constitutes a small sacrifice for cherished relationships. Encouraging fresh listeners or prompting relevant recollections can refresh repeated material without causing offense.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]